George A. Romero's Independent Cinema - by Tom Fallows (Paperback)

About the Book

Examines George A. Romero's regional production company Laurel Entertainment and its contribution to American cinema.

Book Synopsis

George A. Romero is recognised as one of the most culturally significant horror auteurs in American cinema. From his debut Night of the Living Dead onwards, he demonstrated a commitment to politically challenging low-budget genre cinema, gaining fan adoration and critical esteem. Romero's cult status may be assured, but the activities of the Pittsburgh-based production company that facilitated a substantial part of his output have largely been untold.
George A. Romero's Independent Cinema is the first in-depth analysis of Romero's Laurel Entertainment, revealing the decision-making and business planning that takes place away from Hollywood, while offering an industry-determined analysis of such films as his zombie masterpiece Dawn of the Dead and the seldom-discussed Martin and Knightriders. Tracking Laurel Entertainment across four decades, this book draws upon business and economic studies to critically recast historical developments in the American independent film sector, providing a forensic-level insight into a media production company whose output redefined horror cinema.

From the Back Cover

George A. Romero is recognised as one of the most culturally significant horror auteurs in American cinema. From his debut Night of the Living Dead onwards, he demonstrated a commitment to politically challenging low-budget genre cinema, gaining fan adoration and critical esteem. Romero's cult status may be assured, but the activities of the Pittsburgh-based production company that facilitated a substantial part of his output have largely been untold. George A. Romero's Independent Cinema is the first in-depth analysis of Romero's Laurel Entertainment, revealing the decision-making and business planning that takes place away from Hollywood, while offering an industry-determined analysis of such films as his zombie masterpiece Dawn of the Dead and the seldom-discussed Martin and Knightriders. Tracking Laurel Entertainment across four decades, this book draws upon business and economic studies to critically recast historical developments in the American independent film sector, providing a forensic-level insight into a media production company whose output redefined horror cinema. Tom Fallows is a lecturer at University of Maryland Global Campus. He completed his PhD in film studies at the University of Exeter and is a BAAS award winner.

Review Quotes

In this excellent book, Fallows provides a rigorously researched analysis of the practices, economies and realities of independent filmmaking through the most compelling and illuminating of case studies. Essential reading for anyone interested in horror, cult and independent cinema, as well as film history and media industry studies.

--Kate Egan, Northumbria University

About the Author

Dr Tom Fallows is a Seminar Leader at the University of Exeter, where he recently completed his PhD